From Paralyzed to Founder of Split Second Foundation
Today's guest on Be The Good with Kate explains, "I had to learn how to live this new life," as he describes the time immediately following a diving accident that left him a C5 quadriplegic at the age of 27. While quickly discovering how "underserved the disabled population was with resources and information", Mark Raymond Jr. made it his mission to help others be more informed and have stronger outcomes in the aftermath of injuries, strokes, and other disabling conditions.
Mark specifically noted a big gap in fitness resources and opportunities. Another, as he refers to it, was a lack of "social worker advisors''. So, Mark created Split Second Foundation, with Split Second Fitness and Split Second Cares.
It is the first rehab-based fitness center in the Gulf South and serves a host of disabilities. Mark describes it as holistically helping people to achieve a better quality of life.
Mark and team continue to expand their offerings, with post-injury financial literacy being the next addition.
Additionally, you'll hear Mark explain some of the advancements in technology for equipment that helps him move and work through each day. He goes into detail about how the body connects with the devices, especially when working with musculature limitations.
From the fitness resources, to financial insights into what is lacking for the disabled community, to the machine that gives him legs to walk, I was fascinated talking with Mark.
Split Second Foundation states their 'why': "20.6 million Americans live with some form of ambulatory disability, requiring a mobility device. Many of these people face an isolated world with few social interactions, health complications, a higher risk of suicide, a shorter life expectancy and few places to turn to."
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